Friends of the Environment (FOTE) was established in 1993 under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a non-governmental organization (NGO).

FOTE’s primary goal as an NGO, is to initiate and undertake programmes and activities that address the needs of identified groups that impact on the environment.

One of FOTE’s primary strategies in attaining its goal is the use of awareness campaigns to enlighten and educate people about the many environmental concerns and the impact each concern has on the larger society.

To impact meaningfully and positively on the environment, FOTE recognises the significant role played by technology. The use of technology in many processes and endeavours increases efficiency, and therefore promotes sustainability.

More specifically, the use of ICT in many aspects of today’s world has the most significant impact on lives and the environment. The improper use of ICT processes can be as detrimental to the environment, as the proper use can be of great advantage.

It is therefore a priority that people, especially the younger members of the society, are empowered appropriately in ICT use and applications.

Our goal in this area therefore, is to continuously increase accessibility to modern ICT use by as many marginal and underprivileged members of society.

Exposure to ICT – the internet in particular – increases the knowledge base of users. The internet bridges the knowledge gap between the privileged and the less privileged, allowing all users access to modern techniques and applications in environmental preservation.

GENDER EMPOWERMENT
FOTE formally recognizes that sustainable development is not achievable without the empowerment of women, and therefore works actively for the participation of women and the integration of gender considerations in governments’ policies and programmes.

OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Protecting and preserving our environment for future generations is of great concern to us. Thus, the uncontrolled and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources such as the rapid depletion of forestry which has led to environmental deterioration, must be brought to light and halted.

The change in climatic conditions caused by various human activities such as the use of fuel-wood for domestic energy, gas flaring, and toxic waste emissions by the oil industry, are glaring issues which have negative long term effects on humans and the environment.

These factors address the global concern relating to Carbon emission as provided in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

FOTE‘s activities are steered by an Executive Committee under the leadership of Engr. (Mrs.) Joanna Olu Maduka.

Mrs. Maduka is Nigeria’s first female registered engineer, founder of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, a former member of the Board of Directors of NNPCand a former member of the United Nations Advisory Board on Science and Technology for Development. The Secretariat is coordinated by the General Secretary.

She is also the current president of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.